County reviews state motor-vehicle 'CARS' memorandum; treasurer will get legal review before signing

Daniels County commissioners reviewed a state memorandum of understanding for the new CARS motor-vehicle program, which county staff said will transfer responsibility for equipment and ongoing supply costs to counties.

The clerk/treasurer explained the state will provide new mini computers and scanners under the program but that counties will now be responsible for replacing printers, toner and other local equipment. “The counties are now responsible for everything. Any new equipment…if that computer goes down or that monitor, we have to purchase it now,” the clerk/treasurer said.

Commissioners asked what would happen if the county declined the MOU; the treasurer said she did not know the full consequences but warned the county would bear the expense if it continued to operate local motor-vehicle services under the new system. Commissioners agreed to have the county attorney (Logan) review the MOU language and for the treasurer to sign only if Logan saw no issues.

Why it matters: The change could increase ongoing county operating costs for motor-vehicle services and might require budget adjustments for supplies and printers. The treasurer noted RSA tokens and some equipment have already been supplied, but printers and paper remain county obligations.

What’s next: The treasurer will forward the MOU to the county attorney for review and return with recommendations before executing the agreement.